Church models acceptance while statewide group shows intolerance of homosexuals

Published: Wednesday, October 8, 2003 at 9:13 a.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, October 8, 2003 at 12:00 a.m.

Many Christian denominations have struggled with the issue of homosexuality. Conservative Episcopalians might split with the denomination over the acceptance of gay relationships, and the United Church of Christ is considering ordaining a gay woman. The North Carolina Baptist State Convention has taken a hard line on homosexuality as well.

McGill Baptist Church in Concord recently learned that the state convention kicked it out since the church accepted two gay men as members. Church members shouldn't have been surprised, since the association to which it belonged had already severed ties with McGill Baptist, and the state convention previously kicked out three other churches that either ordained gays or blessed same-sex unions.

However, the way McGill Baptist learned about the expulsion is unfortunate. The church's pastor, the Rev. Steve Ayers, discovered that the church wasn't listed on the convention's Web site. A little research revealed the reason. Officials with the Baptist State Convention should at least have had the courtesy to inform McGill of the decision.

One of the great bedrocks of the Baptist faith is the autonomy of local churches. Churches of like mind group together in associations, state conventions and national conventions. Each of those groups has the ability to decide which churches it will accept and which it won't. Likewise, the local churches can go their own way if they disagree with the positions of the larger bodies.

In that regard, the Cabarrus Baptist Association and the Baptist State Convention were within their right to expel McGill Baptist. Those two groups disapprove of homosexuality and churches that appear to accept it.

However, their actions send the wrong message to a large segment of the population that they won't be welcome in these organizations. Although Jesus preached a message of inclusion, the association and the state convention are sending the opposite message.

Anyone who claims they have the clear-cut answer on the biblical response to homosexuality ignores other passages of Scripture. Jesus modeled and taught a life of acceptance of those who were different. However, some Bible passages clearly state that homosexuality is a sin.

Those on either side who would paint the issue of homosexuality in black-and-white terms fail to acknowledge the complexities of the matter. Some people view homosexuality as a choice; others view it as genetic makeup that a person can't change.

In an ideal world a church, more so than any other organization, should accept anyone who chooses to come and join its fellowship of believers. The people of McGill Baptist appear to be doing that, while the Baptist State Convention is not.

Ayers deserves to have the last word on the matter, since it speaks volumes of compassion and acceptance:

"In our tradition, we open the church doors to everyone who comes to know Christ. Jesus told us to fish for people. He didn't say to use fishhooks, but nets. It's not our job to sort the fish. He'll take care of any sorting."

<p>Many Christian denominations have struggled with the issue of homosexuality. Conservative Episcopalians might split with the denomination over the acceptance of gay relationships, and the United Church of Christ is considering ordaining a gay woman. The North Carolina Baptist State Convention has taken a hard line on homosexuality as well.</p><!-- Nothing to do. The paragraph has already been output --><p>McGill Baptist Church in Concord recently learned that the state convention kicked it out since the church accepted two gay men as members. Church members shouldn't have been surprised, since the association to which it belonged had already severed ties with McGill Baptist, and the state convention previously kicked out three other churches that either ordained gays or blessed same-sex unions.</p><p>However, the way McGill Baptist learned about the expulsion is unfortunate. The church's pastor, the Rev. Steve Ayers, discovered that the church wasn't listed on the convention's Web site. A little research revealed the reason. Officials with the Baptist State Convention should at least have had the courtesy to inform McGill of the decision.</p><p>One of the great bedrocks of the Baptist faith is the autonomy of local churches. Churches of like mind group together in associations, state conventions and national conventions. Each of those groups has the ability to decide which churches it will accept and which it won't. Likewise, the local churches can go their own way if they disagree with the positions of the larger bodies.</p><p>In that regard, the Cabarrus Baptist Association and the Baptist State Convention were within their right to expel McGill Baptist. Those two groups disapprove of homosexuality and churches that appear to accept it.</p><p>However, their actions send the wrong message to a large segment of the population that they won't be welcome in these organizations. Although Jesus preached a message of inclusion, the association and the state convention are sending the opposite message.</p><p>Anyone who claims they have the clear-cut answer on the biblical response to homosexuality ignores other passages of Scripture. Jesus modeled and taught a life of acceptance of those who were different. However, some Bible passages clearly state that homosexuality is a sin.</p><p>Those on either side who would paint the issue of homosexuality in black-and-white terms fail to acknowledge the complexities of the matter. Some people view homosexuality as a choice; others view it as genetic makeup that a person can't change.</p><p>In an ideal world a church, more so than any other organization, should accept anyone who chooses to come and join its fellowship of believers. The people of McGill Baptist appear to be doing that, while the Baptist State Convention is not.</p><p>Ayers deserves to have the last word on the matter, since it speaks volumes of compassion and acceptance:</p><p>"In our tradition, we open the church doors to everyone who comes to know Christ. Jesus told us to fish for people. He didn't say to use fishhooks, but nets. It's not our job to sort the fish. He'll take care of any sorting."</p>